Befriender: Mental Health (Ealing and Hounslow)

Overview

Our core Befriending Project supports people who are isolated and sometimes housebound. They may have a physical or sensory disability, or they may have mild dementia.

Our Linked Minds Befriending Project provides specialist one-to-one befriending for adults who are isolated because of a diagnosed mental health problem. This is an opportunity to become a Befriender.

On successful completion of specialist mental health training, the Befriender is matched with someone suitable by a Co-ordinator who then acts as a non-clinical supervisor for the befriending period, which is limited to a year. Where applicable, this can count towards continuing professional development (CPD).

The Befriender, client and supervisor make a plan together with a goal to work towards. The Befriender makes a weekly 1-2 hour visit to the client’s home, which may include staying in and chatting, going for a walk, visiting a café, or undertaking a local activity. These visits aim to increase the client’s confidence, help them feel more valued, and support them in joining clubs, meeting others, or pursuing their personal goals. By the end of the year, clients should feel better about themselves, more resilient, and better connected to their community.

Volunteering with BEfriend enriches the lives of those who are isolated and also offers personal rewards, including the development of new skills and being part of a supportive team that values compassion and connection.

Responsibilities

• Provide regular (weekly) befriending visits (1-2 hours) to assigned clients in their homes or local community settings.
• Collaborate with the client, supervisor, and coordinator to develop and work toward a agreed plan and goals.
• Attend and participate in supervision sessions with the coordinator and complete any required training.
• Maintain respectful, non-clinical boundaries and adhere to project guidelines and safeguarding policies.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of specialist mental health training (provided by the project).
• Willingness to commit to the befriending period (up to one year) and to work within agreed boundaries and supervision arrangements.
• Ability to communicate empathetically, listen actively, and build trusting relationships.
• Non-clinical role with an understanding of safeguarding and boundaries appropriate to befriending in a mental health context.

Ideal traits

• Compassion, reliability, and teamwork approach.
• Interest in supporting others to increase confidence and community belonging.

Note: This description reflects the BEfriend Befriending roles in Ealing and Hounslow, United Kingdom.

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